Mrs. Olsen was born on her family farm in Rapps Mill in Rockbridge County on July 9, 1935.

She attended Palmer Academy, Effinger High School (1954), James Madison College (1958), and received her master’s degree from Alaska Pacific University (1986).

Mrs. Olsen enjoyed many adventures traveling and living all over the world with her family as a part of her husband’s work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She was an educator with a career that included teaching, counseling and administration. She retired in 1994 from Fairfax County Schools.

Mrs. Olsen raised her family with faith, hard work, traditions, helping others, servant leadership, good manners, and respect for her elders. She found so much joy in helping others to grow and always showed hospitality wherever she went. She learned to play, take risks, and be an independent problem solver with a persevering spirit at a very young age. She never complained about a situation but offered a solution. She cared for and encouraged others from her family to her classroom and community. She truly embraced “loving your neighbor” with her uplifting spirit.

In addition to her parents and husband of 44 years, Mrs. Olsen was preceded in death by her daughter Laurie Lee Thomas and brother Winfield S. Daniel.

Surviving is a daughter, Nancy Lynn Ruben and her husband Andy; a son, David Scott Olsen and his wife, Tracy; son-in-law George Thomas; six grandchildren, David Thomas, Romona Murray, Tory Olsen, Jordan Argo, Abbey Baxter, and Connor Ruben; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial service to celebrate her life will be held in the summer of 2024 at Rapps Mill Church where she was raised, baptized and married.

Memorial contributions can be made to Rapps Mill Church, c/o Patsy Landes, 3255 South Buffalo Road, Lexington, VA 24450. N-G